Italians have great passion for many things, one being the automobile. Cars and autoracing have been a part of Italy's culture since the early 20th century. One of the most recognizable symbols of that passion, both in Italy and around the world, is Ferrari. The Formula 1 team of Ferrari is going through a period of significant transition with new drivers and a new car for 2007. Before we look at the new car and team, let's look back at the history of one of the ultimate symbols of luxury and performance.
Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur drivers living in Modena, Italy. He never intended to produce road cars, but rather used Alfa Romeo cars for the drivers he prepared and successfully raced. In 1939 Enzo and Alfa broke off their collaboration and Enzo started developing cars. 
The first of these was the 815 sport barchetta, which did not bear the Ferrari name due to contractual agreements with Alfa Romeo. At the end of the second World War, the company was renamed Ferrari, with the 125 S being the first to roll out of their Maranello factory, and the rest as they say is history.
After years of Formula 1 domination by the Ferrari team led by arguably the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time, Michael Schumacher, that team is going through quite a transition. Schumacher retired after the 2006 season, ending a career during which he won a record 7 Formula 1 World Championships (5 with Ferrari) and 91 career wins. Replacing him will be the Finnish driving star Kimi Raikkonen, who joins Felipe Massa, the Brazilian driver who joined the team for the 2006 season, replacing another Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello, who left to join BAR Honda.
The new team will have a totally new car to drive, as today Ferrari announced the 2007 edition of their Formula 1 race car. With updated aerodynamics, an improved and quicker responding gearbox, and numerous other changes, this year's car and drivers promise to be tough to beat.
"...Schumacher retired after the 2006 season, ending a career during which he won a record 6 Formula 1 World Championships and 91 career wins."
7 World Championships.
5 with Ferrari.
Posted by: Marc Sauro | January 20, 2007 at 12:17 PM